JAMIE Jackson has been awarded close to $40,000 in costs after a court found police “brutalised” him and used excessive force in arresting him during last year’s Sydney Mardi Gras parade.

Jackson and his legal team are now set to sue NSW Police after Magistrate Michael Barko made the findings while dismissing the police case at a court hearing at the Downing Local Court Centre on Thursday, February 6.

In court this week, Magistrate Barko suggested the case was dropped by police partly due to community outrage over Jackson’s treatment, which saw him slammed head-first to the ground while handcuffed on Oxford St by Fairfield police officer, Constable Leon Mixios. A video taken by a bystander of the incident has now had almost two million views on YouTube.

In a statement to the Star Observer, a police spokesperson said that Mixios remained on office duties pending the conclusion of internal investigations.

Following the court’s decision, lawyer Chris Murphy, who had represented Jackson pro-bono, told reporters that while his client was still coming to terms with the ensuing publicity surrounding last year’s incident he was now planning to march in this year’s Mardi Gras parade.

“He is quiet, but will next be seen on a float at the Mardi Gras,” Murphy said.

“He’s been under a lot of stress. He’s been totally exonerated today.”

In a social media post following the court decision, Jackson said he wanted to “say a massive thank you” to his family, friends and supporters who stood by him over the past year.

“Coming out as gay to my extended family was hard enough let alone endure hate and abuse from strangers,” Jackson posted on Facebook.

“I have grown so much from this experience and have learned so many lessons at such a young age.

“Now that I can put this behind me I am excited for what my future holds and couldn’t be happier.”

Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich told the Star Observer the community will now be closely watching whether senior police hold officers accountable who are found to have engaged in violence and mistreatment against the public at last year’s Mardi Gras.

“It is clear that the LGBTI community will never again accept abuse and discrimination,” Greenwich said.

“More work needs to be done, and the outcome of this case proves the need for an independent police complaints body.

“It is heartening that local police and LGBTI organisations have made positive changes to prevent problems at this year’s Mardi Gras.”